The Energy Searcher can reportedly drill to total depths of up to 7,620 metres, and in water depths of up to 762 metres. (Image source: CAMAC Energy)CAMAC Energy has announced that it has signed a drilling contract with Northern Offshore for its drillship ‘Energy Searcher’ in Nigeria

According to the independent explorer, the rig is expected to be delivered to its offshore Oyo oilfield in OML120 for drilling activities to commence in the first half of 2014.

The agreement covers an initial period of one year, with an option to extend the contract for another one year. The company plans to utilise the rig on its multi-year, high-impact development and exploration portfolio.

The Energy Searcher can reportedly drill to total depths of up to 7,620 metres, and in water depths of up to 762 metres.

Kase Lawal, CEO of CAMAC Energy, said, “We are pleased to have executed the rig contract with Northern Offshore, which builds on our relationship, and ensures a highly capable and efficient rig to execute on our transformational development and exploration programme in 2014 and beyond.”

The company’s asset portfolio consists of eight licenses in three countries covering an area of 41,000 sq km, including production and other projects offshore Nigeria, as well as exploration licenses offshore and onshore Kenya, and offshore Gambia.